Magnetic transducing apparatus



July 4, 1950 F. H. OWENS 2,513,423

MAGNETIC TRANSDUCING APPARATUS Filed March 21, 1946 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 I INVENTOR.

FREEMAN H. OWENS July '4, 1950 F. H. OWENS 2,513,423

MAGNETIC TRANSDUCING APPARATUS Filed March 21, 1946 3 Sheets- Sheet 2 INVEN TOR. FREE/MA /v H. 0 wE/vs F. H. OWENS MAGNETIC TRANSDUCING APPARATUS July 4;, 1950 5 3 M M W T 0 h N 1 S E H V N 1% s N t I A e M e E a M U? 3 F wE m 6 mm 0 9s mm w 1 .r u 2 M E J I M 5 mvw h m@ vm m m| I mm k q mx M m w 5 \vm n m mm F v9 Patented July 4,- 1950 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE Freeman H. Owens, New York, N. Y.

Application March 21, 1946, Serial No. 655,965

I 29 Claims. 1 This invention relates to a magnetic tape recording and reproducing apparatus and particularly to one in which a plurality of sound tracks may be recorded on and reproduced from the. same tape.

It is the prime object of the present invention to provide such an apparatus which is of extremely compact construction, so that the entire apparatus may be portable.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide means whereby a plurality of sound tracks may be recorded on and reproduced from a single magnetic tape, thus materially increasing the capability of the apparatus.

It is still another object of the present invention to minimize all frictional effects between the magnetic contact making means and the magnetic tape, so that the tape may be used over and over again without appreciable wear and consequent necessity for replacement and so that the magnetizing means may be similarly long-lived.

It is still another object of the present invention to so construct the magnetizing elements of my apparatus as to conveniently limit the width of each sound track on the tape in order that the sound tracks thereon do not interfere with one another.

It is yet another object of my invention to provide means for automatically and conveniently moving the magnetizing means from one sound track position to the next.

It is another object of the present invention to eliminate any frictional effect between the magnetizing means and the tape during the time that the magnetizing means is moving from one sound track position to another, again with material gain in durability both of the tape and the magnetizing means. 1

A further object of the present invention is to control the motion of the magnetizing means from one sound track position to another by the amount of magnetic tape available.

It is yet another object of the present invention to produce a device in which the amount of tape available not only controls the above-mentioned function but also acts to reverse the direction of motion of the tape past the magnetizing means, so that automatic and substantially continuous recording and/or reproducing can be obtained over an exceedingly long period of time before replacement of the tape is necessitated.

Another object is to produce a device in which, when the amount of tape availablefor recording is becoming small, warning devices notify the recorder of that fact.

. It is a still further object of the present invenhead, reproducing head, or erasing head, at the will of the operator. .To the accomplishment of the foregoing ob- 'jects and such other objects as may hereinafter appear, my present invention relates to the magnetic tape sound recording and reproducing apparatus as sought to be defined in the appended claims, as described in the specification and in the drawings appended thereto, in which:

'Fig. l'is a top view, with portions of the surface thereof broken away, of the recording and. reproj'ducing apparatus of my invention after the top has been removed;

Fig.2 is a side view taken along the line 2-'2 of Fi .1;

Fig. 3 is an end view taken along the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a schematic View of part of the apparatus employed to move the magnetizing means from one sound track position to another;

Fig. 5 is a detailed view on an enlarged scale,

taken from above, of one embodiment of the magnetizing means;

Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional view thereof, taken along the line 6-6' of Fig. 5; I Fig. 7 is a detailed end view, taken along the line -'I of Fig. 5, of the guide rollers;

Fig. 8 is a side view, similar to Fig. 6, of an alternative embodiment of the magnetizing 30.v

means; and

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram of the actuating and warning means of the present invention.

Generic description Turning now to a descriptionof the invention,

,and first toa generic description thereof, my

render said tape ready to receive fresh recordings thereon, all in a manner well-known in the prior Contact between the magnetizing means B and the tape A is effected by contacting means comprising a magnetizable body C, here shown as a disc, so mounted in said magnetizing means B as to be in, contact with the tape A and rotatable in its mounting as the tape A moves past said magnetizing means. The tape motion is accomplished by a drum D, rotated by the motor E and carrying on its surface in contact with the tape A atleast one circumferential rib F of ajwidth A past the contacting means 0.

closely the same as the desired width of a sound track.

A sound track selection means, generally designated-as G, :and illustrated; particularly. in Fi s. 3 and 4,;moves the magnetizin means B and the contacting means C carried therein transversely with respect to the tape A from one sound track position to another, and a retracting means. generally designated as H, acts to eliminate contact between the contacting means Cand the-tape-A during the time that said contacting means is being moved from one sound track-position toanother. In a preferred embodiment of my invention, the circumferential ribs F on the drum D will. be .spaced one from the other corresponding to the dimensions and position of sound tracks to be carried by. the tape A (here shown for purposes of exemplific ation as 8 tracks), and'the cqnt t ng mea C w b ina cund rack p sition whenever it is substantially in registration with one ofsaid ribs The operation of the track-,selectionmeansfi is automatically controlled by acombined-actuating and warning means, generally designated asJ (see Fig. 1),.which in turn islcont'rolled by the supply of tape A available in the apparatus. Said actuating means J also controls the direc- ..tion of rotation of the motor E and consequently controls the direction of motion of thetapeA General structure The recording and reproducing apparatus of 1 my invention comprises a chassis Z-anda vertie D and friction 'pulley' fiil.

' belt 54- friction pulley-52 will be rotated thus roof such an arrangement will be made clear hereinafter.

Attached to the lower extremity of shaft 38 is .a friction pulley. lflQand-attachedpo the lower :..e.x trem -f:. af I50 arelffri t nru lsy and 52. Friction pulley 52 is mounted coplanar with friction pulley 30, and spring belt 54 connects the two in driving relationship. Friction pulley 53 is positioned coplanar with friction pulley 50, andspring belt '56 connects the two in driving relationship.

Thus it will be apparent that rotation of the motor EMwill rotate shaft 32 by means of worm and worm wheel 23, thus rotating the drum By means of 7 spring --movable magazine-generally designated --as- 58,

and is-wound on spools -69 and-t2 therein. In passingfrom one spool-to the next the; tape passes over-rollers 64 and 68' (see-Fig-1) eTh -magazine is concavely cutaway-at=one end-betweenthe rollers 66 and 68,: as at J0, in-orderstdpermit access to the: tape Aat that point,.the:poirit nearest the drum- D,. in order-that the .tapelA may: be

' threaded over the drurnaDina manner-hereincally removabletop cover. therefor 4. Resting on flanges 6, 6' and 8, -8 extending respectively transversely and longitudinally with respectto -said chassis 2 and resiliently Supported thereon by the rubbergasket l fl-is a framework, gener- -ally designated as l2, which supportsandholds inoperative relation all of=the other parts of -the apparatus. I

Appropriately placed on the-chassis 2- is an-access door It which may, by means of--hand le l6,'

--be rotated about-hinges -l-8 so as-to render accessible an-inclined control panel--20 inside -of the apparatus which houses the. recording microphone 22 (shown in phantom in Fig. 3) the reproducingloud speaker (not shown), the various switches and controls necessary foroperation-of the apparatus (also not shown),'and-may-.also

optionally house the warmng-lights hereinafter vto be described.

The motor E is supported in housing-24 (part of which is brokenaway in Fig. 2) in such a manner thatworm-Zfi attached. to the motor shaft (see Fig. 3) meshes indriving relation withworm .-Wheel'23. To this wheel isattached-frictionpulley 3B--and shaft 32, the latter being-mounted in the-framework [2 by means of ball bearing units 34 and '36 (see Fig. 2). At its upper extremity fithe shaft 32 is attached to drumDsot-hat ro- -tation of the motor E rotates the'drum'D-in a direction and at a speed determined by the direction-and speed of rotation of the motor-E.

after to be described.

When i the magazine. 5 8 :js; in its proper. position ou :the apparatus, the lower ends. .of ,thespools fifl and -62 v,will.zbe;enga ed in. anrappropriate mannerrby the driven: ends .101 the :drive and clutch .assembllesst, 6'. In order .to. ensure .accurate '40.

. and. in order, to, ensur tha when. oncencsiti ne p si ioning-0tthe-ma a ine 18 on? th appar tu it will remain in its proper position so; ;1ons;as desired, the framework :12 v;is provided. with a projecting p "'5 ;-aclapted to vfi .into.-.a-;su tab1y placed orifice in the. masazin ztt.

Each spool 60, '62 compltisesstwo co-ncehtricfiiscs ;60,-.1fifl' and; a2, 6. respectively, as bes be seen in.F.i -.1, so: thatthe'endsiof ha an qnmay .be. secured ..to the, spoclsaby xbein bentbetween sai wol oncentri di cs. n.:a:.manner' w 1s ow in t a Threading .of .th atap .A .zover :themlmm D accomplished as shown in Fig., 1 the tapegiilrst beingthrcade rin a dly w t res c to th t flanged guide rollers-J4. and is and: then threaded ..ov r h uter .Qi umie enqe-Qf heerl um D. Y

F 7 illustrates;adetailed; Qns nu tioapf;th guide rollers 14 ;and -15. -Bach' ide ,roller' asm y c m s s a t ihavinsialewe ipo o 3 ll o smal er. d am te ha th -ra ter th .stud which projectsethrough a suitablee-aperture in the base plate I44. Washer 13 eeep-eratcswith the shoulder fil between the upper-and lower; portions of the stud. The-stud is secured to the base plate I44 by means of. bolt 8,3 andwasher 85.1mtac'hed to that part of the lower pQrtionJLwhich projects below ,the base plate I 44. -Rotatably mounted aroundL thestud i5 is the. roller. fi'kprovided at its upper endwith anintegralfiange $9. The upper portion of the.-,lToller,,is countersunk, as at 9 I, and aspiring 9 3 under compressionbetween the countersunk portion 9 Lofthe roller l81 andthe screw head :35 .Q th stu ends force ther le j Ldflwnwa dly toward .th b'ase as to overlie the protruding ends of the circumferential ribs F on the drum D (see Fig. and dotted lines in Fig. 6) so as to preventthe tape A, during operation of the apparatusfrom moving up on the drum D and thus making uncertain the accurate positioning of the sound tracks thereon. The spring 93, in tending always to force the roller 8?, and consequently the flange 89, down, fixes the position of the tape A with respect to the drum D. In order to permit initial threading of the tape A, the roller 8'! may be manually forced upward against the tension of th spring 93, thus providing a clearance between the flanges 89 and the drum D, so that the tape A may be inserted thcrebetween. Upon release of the manual pressure thus applied, the springs '93 will again be controlling, the roller 8! and flanges 89 will be forced down, and the tape A will be maintained in its proper position.

With the tape in the relative position with respect to the spools 60 and 62 as shown in Fig. l, and assuming that it is desired to take up the tape on spool 60, it is apparent that spool 60 must rotate in clockwise direction. Drum D must also rotate in a clockwise direction, and in order for the tape A to unwind from spool 62 it must rotate in the same direction. If the tape A is to move past the magnetizing means B and. contacting means C at a constant speed, as is necessary if fidelity of reproduction is to be obtained, the respective spools 69 and 62 must rotate at varying rotation-a1 speeds dependent upon the effective distance of the tape A from the center of said spools, that is to say, spool 60 as shown in Fig. 1 must rotate much more rapidly than spool 62. However, as the tape accumulates onspool 60 that spool must rotate at a decreased speed, and as the tape unwinds from spool 62 that spool must rotate at an increased speed, if the linear speed of motion of the tape A past the magnetizing means B is to remain constant.

The motor E is a constant-speed motor and, since it is directly geared to the drum D, that drum will rotate at constant speed. The motion of the motor E is transmitted to the shafts 3-8 and 40, thence to the clutch and drive assemblies #6 and thence to the spools to and 62 by means of I spring belts 5'4 and 58 which drive friction pulleys 30, 52, 50 and 38, as above described. Since these springs belts 54 and '56 ma slip with respect to their driven and driving friction pulleys, they will drive the spools 6t and 62 at varying speeds throughout the winding and unwinding of the tape A from one spool to another and thus the tape A will move in non-slipping relationship to the drum D and, consequently, at a, constant linear speed with respect to the magnetizing means B.

In order to further facilitate the variation in rotational speeds of the spools til and t2, the drive and clutch assemblies 56, 46' for the two spools are so constructed that they will transmit to their respective spools motions of their driving shafts only when those motions are in a direction appropriate for the winding or taking up operation free to rotate a it wishes, beingj declutched from;

its driving shaft 38. Similarly,, the drive and clutch assembly 46 for the spool ,62 will only transmit counter-clockwise rotationof the shaft 40 to the spool 6.2 and when, as in the example given, the shaft 40 is rotating in a clockwisedirection, the spool 62 is declutched therefrom and is free to rotate at any speed necessary to unwind the tape A therefrom. Consequently, during a winding opeartion, slippage need occur in the driving mechanism only with respect to the wind;- ing spool; the unwinding spool is declutched from its shaft, free to rotate, and the speed of rotation of its shaft is of no importance.

The drive and clutch assemblies 66,46 may be, for example, of conventional three-ball type, and may also be provided with frictional relief characteristics in the manner well-known in the art.

Magnetizz'ngmeans and contacting means The tape A is of magnetizable material such that it is adapted to carry one or more longitudinally disposed sound tracks, said tracks being formed by altering the magnetic properties of the tape A in accordance with the sound vibrations to be recorded. If a plurality of sound tracks are to be recorded on the same tape A, and the apparatus of my invention is particularly adapt ed thereto, these tracks are spaced one fromthe other transversely with respect to the tape A and each track may extend over any desired longitudinal portion thereof. Thus if each sound track is of a length requiring for example 15 minutes to be completely run through the apparatus, if 8 sound tracks are recorded thereon the same tape A can be used for recording or reproducing over a period of two hours. The advantages attendant thereupon are obvious. I

In order to record sound upon the tape it is necessary to alter the magnetic status thereof. This is commonly accomplished by passing a concentrated magnetic flux through the tape and by varying the intensity of that flux in proportion to the sound vibrations. In the past, localization and intensification of the flux has been ac,- complished by sliding the tape over a finger in contact therewith, the width of said finger being equal to the desired width of a sound track. Since this width is generally very small, on the orderof a small fraction of an inch, the fingers usedare not sturdy and the frictional effects between the tape and the fingers over which the tape slides act to wear down and ultimately destroy the tape and/or the fingers.

The magnetizing means B and contacting means C of my invention are designed to overcome the above two defects. One energizing part of the magnetizing means B comprises a coil 1'8 surrounding an iron core 82, which core, where it passes through the coil 18, is insulated therefrom by means of insulating sheath $4. The forward extremity 86 of the core is of cross-sectional diameter similar to that of the insulating sheath 84 and passes through an orifice .88 in a yoke 90. The core at its rear extremity 92 (see Fig. 6) terminates in a screw to which is attached a guide rod 94, a washer 96 being fastened, be

shaft H2 attached to the housing ||4..wh ich housingis part of. the framework I 2; passesxtherethrough imsucha manner -that the yoke'illl isufree to slide-thereover. The internal surface of orifice IIB -is-screw-threaded. and: threaded shaft-1 I I6 is'scr'ewed' thereintoe This shaft at its upper end isrotatably mounted in bushing l'l B of housing lf l and is attached thereto-by means of screw I 20; the washer I22, and the-yoke return =knob F24 in such-manner-that the knob I24 andtthe shaft H6 are maintained mixed-rotational relationship onewith respect to the other; The lower-end of-the shaft l IE is rotatably mounted in base plate IEG-of-the framework [Z ina man'-. ner hereinaf-ter to be described;

It will thus be apparent that upon rotation of the-shaft lit; thescrewthread thereon cooperati-ng with the'internally threaded surface of the. orifice, ill] will. cause the yoke 90 to move up or down in a direction parallel to the axes of the shafts I I2 and H6,- and sincethe core 82 and theguide rod 94 attachedthereto project through the"yoke90-,-' the coil 13' and the core ill-Willi also move in-the same directional-1d.- thesame amount.

The-contactingmeans C, which is here shown as-a'disc; is of mag-neti-zable material similar to that of the-xcore 82 and is mounted in the extremityt-G thereof so asto be rotatablewithin orifice" I28?=thereof(seeFig; 6) about axis pin l36. It will be seen from an inspection: particularly of Figs.-5 and- 6 that with this construction-;- asthe tape-A moves over the dr-um D the-disc C'i-n contact' therewith rotates about axis pin Kit; in this manner minimizing almost completely anyfricti'on'aleifect between the disc 0' and the-tape A and-*thus-promoting' the long-life of both elements.

The-drum D is soconstructed as to assist in the recording of sound tracks'onthe tapeA; It comprisesa'coil' I32 mounted upon an insulating base I 34, both coil I32." and base I3-being fastened to shaft 32'for rotation therewith. The outer surfaces of the coil 132'- are completely surrounded by a soft ironcap I36 which defines the'outer-surface of the drum D.- The cap I36 alsorotates with'the shaft 32 and extends into groove I38in the-topof shaft 32 'so as toprevent the" coil I32 from-being removed overt-he top of the shaft 32.

Two embodiments-ofthe capl3ii 'are here i1- lustrated,that orFigs': 1 through 'lhaving'a numherofcircumferential ribs F thereon, and that of Fig. 8'; the outer surfaceof which is smooth.

In the embodiment employing the ribs F; each of'these ribs'is preferabl of closely the same. width as the desired width of a sound track and each of the ribs F is spaced from the-adjacent ribs-F by an amount closely equal tothe desired spacing of thesound tracks; The disc C carried by' the-magnetizing means B is generally of'a widthsomewhat greater than that of aribF-, thus imparting additional structural=- strength and therefore durability to said disc, but is of width smallfenough so as not to-besimultaneouslyregistrable with more than one of 'theribs Fi Thus by reference to Fig. 6 it will be seen that whenthe disc Cis substantially in registration with the lowermost rib F on the drum D, the upper 'and lower edges of the disc C extend respectively above and below the upper andlower-edges of the rib with which it is in registration, but the=- upper edge of the disc C is nevertheless below-the lower edge of the-rib F next above-theribF with which the disc C is in'registration;

Since the characteristic of magnetic flux is to take the path" of"least"resistance; and since the ribfiFr is the closest soft iron- :portion to; thel-dis C, substantially alli =Oflth6fifl1lXyCOfl'Ilil1Q from the disc C will-pass .tortheirib FT*With.WhiCl1 itu.iS in registratiomandzthus the'width of the rib F and its position-'with' respect to= thetapeA will determine the width :of: avsound. track impressed upon .th'e tape'xA- and its'position thereon; The amountof .l'eakagefiux from the disc 0. to; the rib F adjacent to theirib F/with which thedisc-C isdmregistration: will; be insufficient to materially efiect'thetmagnetic status. of the tape -at that point In the": drums embodiment illustrated in Fig.7 8, thesurface of: the drum D over. which the tape A DBJSSESiiS -HOU ribbedxbutis smooth; With such a, constructioniin. which. .there arex no ribs F to controlithelwidthiof a sound track, the disc C must consequently performthat function. In order for the disc-C= 'to-. beof isuffi'cient' structural strength at1its;center; about whiclritrotates, it

thee-insulating basel I34eare a-pair of concentric conductingtringsrl 4,0 land-.142; each of these rings being -suitably:-co nnected to .an: appropriate end of; the;coil-.I.3Z.-. Mounted in the .base'plate- I44,-a part of the-*framework-"I 27, directly thereunder, are a pair ofrball contacts 146; and-Mu; each making contact with rings I40 and' Irespectively. To facilitate rotationof the drum; D, each? of the ball contacts-wand: I:48 are-adaptedto rotate over ballsbearingsj I5,Ilwhich are-in turn in contact with terminalleads I 52.1 andil 54;

The two-coils'18 and lSZare soconnected as-to aid; Que-another. .andr th'e intensity of the variations the 'currents in said coils determines the intflnsity of the variations in the magnetic flux which: passes-fromcore fi'l =to magnetizing disc C,

through 'the tape -A to, a. selected: rib Fon: the drum Ds through' thecenter ofthe coil I32 and thence =via' air and various. parts of the apparatus structure back: tortheccore. 82. Since all of the magnetic flux :passesbetween: the disc C andthe rib' F-in registration therewith, the flux at that point. is off an: .extremelyghigh.concentrationand is therefore sufiicient to accurately and controllably alter the magnetic status of the tapeA, thus impressing thereon-1 a magnetic sound track,

In order to maintain.=the. contacting means C in contact with .the tape .A and in order to enable it, to.conform to any surface irregularities whichlthe tape .A may-present, the guide rod 94,

. core BZJand disc C are'alLurged toward the tape A and drumi'Dby meansz-of spring 158';

Soundtrack, selection means From the above-description it is clear that in order for the magnetizing means B acting through the contacting-means C' to form a sound trackalong a =definite'path' on the tape A, the contacting meansC must bein registration with a -svelected one of 'the'ri'bsF'on' the drum D. It has alsobeenexplainedhowtheyoke and consequently the magnetizing means B and the contacting means C may be moved u and down transversely with respect to the tapeA by means of rotation of threaded shaft II6 which is engaged with the internally threaded orifice I II] of the yoke 96. The means for controlling the rotation of the shaft H6 and consequently the position of the magnetizing means B and contacting means C with respect to the drum D and the ribs F thereon, comprise the track selection means G, a schematic representation of which is shown in Fig. 4.

As previously stated, the lower extremity of shaft H6 is rotatably mounted on base plate I26. Attached to the shaft I I6 above the plate I26 is a ratchet I60 above which is mounted a cam I62 for purposes hereinafter to be explained. Above the cam I62 a clock spring I64 has one end attached tothe shaft H6 by means of screw I66 and has its other end attached to a rod I68 which may be the lower extremity of the shaft II2. Thespring I64 is constantly under tension and tends to rotate shaft II6, ratchet I68, cam I62 and the yoke return knob I24 attached to the shaft H6 in such a manner as to cause the yoke 98 and consequently the magnetizing means 13 and the contacting means to rise within the housing II4. Although the core 82 and the magnetizing means B project out through an aperture I18 in said housing II4, the upward motion is permitted within limits by the elongation of the aperture in a vertical direction (see Fig. 2). Rotation of the shaft I I6 as urged by the spring IE4 is prevented by the engagement of dog I12 carried by pawl I14. This pawl is pivotable about pin I16 and carries on the other side of pin I16 from dog I12 a second dog I18. Push rod I80 actuates the pawl I14. In Fig. 4 it is shown in its position farthest to the left. Should the rod I 80 be pushed in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4, pawl I14 would pivot about pin I16 and dog I12 would be removed from engagement with the ratchet I68. With the removal of this restricting force, the spring I64 is free to rotate the shaft I I6 and does so, raisin the yoke 68, the magnetizing means B and the contacting means When the rod I88 was pushed in the direction of 'the arrow, notonly was dog I12 removed from engagement with the ratchet I66, but dog I18 was moved into position where it would prevent the passage beyond it of the next notch in the ratchet I66. Thus, rotation of the shaft II6 and hence of the ratchet I60 could continue only until the next notch of the ratchet I66 came into contact with the dog I18 of the pawl I14 at which time such motion would stop. It Will be apparent that by suitable design of the pawl I14 and the ratchet I68, the rotation permitted could be made sufficient to raise the magnetizin means B and the contacting means C just enough to come into' registration with the next higher rib F ,on the drum D, or in other words, to rise just enough to come into position appropriate for the recording of the next sound track.

Reciprocation of the rod I86 would allow continued intermittent rotation of the shaft I I6 and consequent rise of the yoke 90 until all the sound tracks on the tape A have been made. At this point the projecting portion 86 of the core 82 would have reached the upper extremity of the elongated. aperture I18 in the housing I I4 and could rise no more. At such a time arm I62 on cam I62 will come into contact with roller I84. Since the arm I82 is so shaped that roller I84 cannot pass it, rotation of the cam I62 and consequently of shaft I I6 is prevented.

To reset the device, the cover 4 is removed from the chassis 2 and the yoke return knob I24 is rotated by hand, rotating the shaft H6 in a direction such that the yoke 88 descends and the spring I 64 is rewound. Obviously, the pawl I14 and ratchet I68 will not prevent rotation in that direction. -By means of a suitable scale on the knob I24 (see Fig. 1) the magnetizing means B and contacting means C can be brought into registration with any desired sound track or can be run all the way down to the lowermost sound track, at the will of .the operator.

Retractz'ng means If, when the contacting means C is moved from one sound track position to another; it is caused to slide transversely across the tape A, undesirable strains may be set up therein which would lead to eventual breakage of the disc C or of its shaft I 38, and wear of the tape A would obviously occur. Consequently, it is exceedingly desirable that an automatic means be provided to retract the contacting means C from its contact making position with respect to the tape A, toward which it is urged by spring I58, during such time that it is being moved from one sound track position to anothenyand to restore said contacting means C to its. contact making relationship with the tape A when it is once again in registration with a sound track.

This means, generally designated as H, comprises a rod I86 which rides in a notch I 88in the extremity of the guide rod 94.

The core 82 and insulating sheath 84 are mounted in the coil 18 so as to be axially slidable therein. Similarly, the extremity 86 of core 82 and the guide rod 94 attached to the other extremity thereof are slidable in the apertures 88 and 98 respectively of the yoke 98. Consequently, the action of the 'spring I58 is effective to slide the core assembly through the coil Y18 and yoke SII'and thusmaintain contact between the contacting means C and the tape A. The washer 96 prevents excessive forward movement of the core 82. r 7

Should the rod I86 be moved to the right, it would draw the guide rod '94, the core 82 thereto attached, and the contacting means C to the right away from'contact with the tape A.

Such a motion of the rod I86 is accomplished as follows: The periphery of the cam I62 (see Fig. 4) is largely composed of a series of depressions I98 in an'otherwise circular disc. Riding on the circumference of the cam I62 is the roller I84 which is attached to the plate I82 pivoted about shaft I94 mounted at its lower end in base plate I26 and at its upper end in housing" I I-4 (see Fig. 2). Extending upwardly from said plate I92 is the rod I86.

It will thus be apparent that when the roller is in any one of the depressions I98, the plate I92 will be pivoted counter-clockwise and consequently the rod I86 will be moved to the left, thus enabling the contacting means C to make contact with the tape A. If, however, the roller I84 is on a non-depressed portion of the circumference of the cam I62, the plate I92 will be pivoted clockwise and the rod I86 will be moved to the right and consequently the contacting means C and the core 82 will be moved thereby to the right against the pressure of spring I58 and out of contact making relationship with the tape A. I

. apparatus.

all

' Since theicam' liii2irotates w'ithethe ratchet 31365 and the shaft 116; itfiis apparent that the despond to the positions'o'f the sha'ft H where 1 the contacting meansC is 'in registration with a sound track and'the' non-depressed portions "of the periphery of the cam #62 represent positions of the shaft I'IB where the=contacting mea-nsC is not so in registration. Thus, whenever the 4 shaft HEG isrotated'to move the contacting means ,0 from one sound track position to another, the plate I92 will automatically be pivoted clockwise and the contacting means-'C-will thus automatically be removed from contactrmaking relationship with the tape A until said contacting means C comes into-registration'-with the next sound track.

Actua'tz'ng means For continuous operation 'of my apparatus from one sound track to another, itis necessary to havean actuating means therein, generally designated as J, 'whiehwil-l, at a predetermined time in the operation-of the machine, automatically actuate the soundtrack selection means 1G and the retracting means H.

This actuating means-m'ay comprise a pair of solenoids "I 96 and I98 suitably'mounted in the The armatures 200 and 202 thereof are connected-by pins 204 -to the opposite-ends of a T-bar 206 which'.:its'elf pivots about; pin .288.

The shank oftheT-bar 206 is. pivotally con- *nected by means'of'link 210 and pin 2!! to the rod I 88 which controlsthezlposition o'f 'thepawl I14. .The pin 208 is supported in bar 212 which .is' in turn supported by plate. 2ll'4suitab-1y .at-

taohed to the framework l2 (see Fig- 4).

It will be apparent from a study. of thelinkage thatif either one .of the solenoids, is actuated, therod l8!) will be movedlin onedirection or the other .thus causing thepaw-l H4 to lrelease .the ratchet 50 and permit rotation :of the shaft H6 until the contactingmeans C has \come into registration with the mextsound track.

The solenoid is actuated by the interaction of threeswitch arms 245, 218"- and. 220 (see Fig. 1). Switch arm 216 is maintained-in 'the apparatus directly-below the magazine 58. It is pivotable about pin 222 and is urged intmpivotal' motion by means oftoggle-type-spring :2-24 toone end of which is firmlyvattached-to lug 226 of' the roller v228-will be forced topivot about-pin*222 in aclockwise direction. The design of the stru cture is such that as soon ass-pool winds enough tape onto itself, so that it has more tape than spool 62, the "switch arm 2|6 will have pivoted clockwise sufficiently -'so that the toggle spr-ing'224 will no longer be urging the switch arm 2| 6 into counter-clockwise "rotation, as is the case in Fig; 1, but will now urge the switch arm 21 6 'into clockwise --rotation. Consequently the roller 228 will be shifted clockwise into con- "wise and switch-arm 228 clockwise.

tactwithth'e tape on-the spofol' fi2;.?the unwinding spo'o'l.

The two switch arms" 218- and 2 20 are-*pivotally mounted. onpins' 230 and" 232'respectively. Their extremities areij'oine'dby spring 234,-which spring constantly tends to draw them togethen-thus tending to rotate-switch arm 2 [8 counter-clock- This rotation is limited by means'ofstop pins 236 and 238. Each of "these iswitcharms has three-contacts*2 4ll thereon. Switch arm 21 6 isprovided with a single contact 242.

It :will be apparent that. as 'the' tape from the spool with which the roller 228 is 'incont'act unw'indsfthe o'ontact 242 ofsswitc'h arm 216:will contact the upper, the "middla-and the lower contact 240 of switch arm 218 "or THU-depending upon'which direction'the switch arm 2 l6 is'urged. The-first and the :second of the contacts "240- with which contact 'is made may-energize suitable warning lights 2'41, 243 attached "either to "the microphone 22 or thecon'trol panel '20 :to indicate to the recorder that the amount of ma 'netic tape available is approaching the end of itsTun. The third contact 248 with which the contact 242 comes into registration actuates one or the-other of the solenoids I'SE- 'an'd I98 'dependingupon which switch'arm, 2l8 or '2-20,'?th'e contaot2' l2 and the switch arm'2l6 isurged against.

Thus, as tape is unwound from-one-of the spools in "the'maga'zine, the i-"o1-leri2'28 on switch arm 2|6, urged by spring 224; follows the unwinding. 'As'th'e unwinding approaches its end, contact is made between contacts 2'42 and the upper of the contacts 240 to light a yellow warning light 24l indicating to the recorder'that he l1as,ffor example, three minutes "to go. As the unwinding proceeds, contact "is made with the middleone of the Contacts 240 andaseco'nd lamp of red color 2'43 is lighted ind-icatingto the frecorder that he has; for example,- one minute to go. As the unwinding proceeds stillfurther to "the end of the sound track, contact made'with the lower *o'f'the. contacts 240-which by energ'iz'ing aselected 'solenoi'd l'9fi, 'ISBhauses the magnetizing means B and the contacting means C to move up into registration with the :next higher'rihF on the: drum D, -ready to 'record'another sound track on "the same tape.

'All the'se operations wouldbe in 'vain'werethe motor E to be permitted to continue to run, for in such a case the tapewoul'd unwind-completely 'from the unwinding spool and-the magazine would have to be removed in order to thread'the tape onthe spool. Consequently, means are provided so that whenever either one of the solenoids "I96 or 198 are actuated, the direction of rotation of the motor is reversed. "This is accomplished by means of a pair of mercury switches 244 and 246 which comprise 'ado'uble-p'ole double-throw switch controlling the direction of rota'tion of the motor E (see Fig. 3). These two switches are secured in cradle 2'48 by means of retaining plate 250 and screw 252. The cradle is mounted in'bracket 254 so as to be rotatable about axis shaft 256. Attached to link 2"] in addition to rod 18!! is rod 258 (see Figs. 2 and 3), which is in turn connected 'to cradle 248 by having the elbow extremity 269 of said shaft 255 inserted into orifice 262 in said'cradle. Consequently energization of either one of the solenoids IE6 or I98 will-result in longitudinal motionof link 2| 0 and consequently the rod 258 Will move, 'tiltingthe cradle 248, actuating the l3 double-pole double-throw switches 244 and 246 and thus reversing the rotation of the motor.

In order to provide for positive positioning of the cradle 248, a detent means is provided therein comprising shaft 264 provided with shoulder 266 against which spring 268 operates in order to force the rod 264 into suitable detent orifices 269 in the bracket 254. The end of the spring 268 opposite from the end which bears against the shoulder 26B is held in position inside the cradle 248 by the elbow extremity 260 of the rod 258.

Operation-recording The sound recording and reproducing apparatus of my invention has been described above with primary regard to its manner of performing the function of recording, that is, the transformation of variations in sound intensity and pitch into similar variations of the magnetic status of the portion of the tape A. In order to have the apparatus carry out this function, the following procedure is resorted to: The cover 4 is removed and by rotation of the yoke return knob I24, the yoke 90 and consequently the magnetizing means B and the contacting means C are moved to their lowest position. A tape-containing magazine 58 is then placed on the apparatus, being positioned at least in part by the pin I2 fitting into a suitable orifice in the magazine 58. The portion of the tape A exposed by the cut-out part 10 of the magazine 58 is then threaded around the pulleys l4 and, I6 and the drum D. The cover 4 is replaced and the apparatus is ready for operation.

The access door I4 is opened, themicrophone 22 is removed therefrom in order to be spoken into and a suitable switch closes an electric circuit to the motor, whereupon the motor commences to rotate.

At the same time a selector switch, not shown, is placed in the record position, thus connecting the coils 18 and I32 in series with a power supply source and with the microphone 22. .Consequently, sound vibrations entering the microphone 22 modulate the current flowing in the coils I8 and I32 and thus alter the magnetic flux induced by them in the magnetizing means B as previously described. This flux is concentrated by means of the contacting means C and, in one embodiment of the invention, the ribs F on the drum D, into a small area of the tape A, consequently affecting the magnetic status of that tape over only a small portion thereof coincident with the rib F with which the contacting means C is in registration.

The motor E drives the drum D at a constant speed and also drives the appropriate one of the spools 6G, 52 (that one which has the least tape thereon), thus winding the tape from one spool to another. By means of the corresponding drive and clutch assembly 46, 46' the unwinding spool B or 62 is free to rotate.

Hence the tape moves at a constant speed past the contacting means C so that the modulations in the magnetic flux passing therethrough create corresponding changes in the magnetic status of the tape longitudinally thereof and over only a small portion transversely thereof, thus defining a sound track.

Asthe recording continues the switch arm 2 I6 is brought into contact with the strip on the unwinding spool and the contact maker 242 makes contact with the uppermost of the three contacts 240 on one of the switch arms 2I8 or 220. This occurs when the unwinding of the tape has only the'yellow warning light 24I is lighted, thus m ,3 predetermined amount of time remaining and dicating to the recorder that he is approaching the end of a tape.

As the unwinding continues the contact 242 breaks contact with the uppermost of contacts 240 and then makes contact with the middle one of said contacts, thus lighting a, red warning light 243 indicating to the recorder that the sound track is practically at its end. As the unwinding continues further the contact 242 makes contact with the lowermost of the contacts 240 thus energizing the appropriate one of the solenoids I96 and I98. Thereupon, by reason of the linkages and mechanism above described, the contacting means C is withdrawn from its contact with the tape A, the magnetizing means B and contacting means C are moved upward transversely with respect to the tape A to the second sound track position (into registration with the second rib F on the drum D), the direction of rotation of the motor E is reversed, and consequently, the drum D rotates in the opposite direction, the spool which was formerly the unwinding spool is driven in the opposite direction to become the winding spool, and the spool which was formerly the winding spool is declutched from the driving mechanism and permitted to rotate freely. Recording may then be continued to form a, second sound track on the tape.

The above process may be repeated either consecutively or with any desired interruptions until all or a part of the possible sound tracks on the tape A have been formed.

Operation-reproduction The same apparatus may be employed for reproduction. As a selector switch on the control panel 20 is thrown to the reproduce position, the coils I8 and I32 are energized and connected in the manner well-known in the art so that movement of the previously magnetized tape A past the contacting means C and the magnetizing means B will, by electromagnetic induction arising from the variations of the magnetic status of the tape along its length, vary the currents in said coils, which variations may be suitably amplified and transmitted to a loud speaker, whereby reproduction is effected.

If it is desired that all of the sound tracks on the tape A be reproduced in the order in which they were recorded, the sequence of operations for reproduction are the same as those for recording except that the selector switch is, as has been mentioned, placed in the reproduce position rather than in the record position.

If reproduction of only a given one of the sound tracks is desired, the cover 4 of the apparatus is removed and by suitable rotation of the yoke return knob I 24, the magnetizing means B and contacting means C are placed into registration with the desired sound track. A suitable scale on the top of the knob I24 in cooperation with an index mark 210 on top of the housing I I4 facilitates this selection (see Fig. 1).

Operation-erasing It may be desired, after the recorded sound track has served its purpose, to destroy that track and leave the tape A ready for subsequent record-- ing.' Such a step is well-known in the art as erasing, and is desirable in situations where my apparatus is used as a means for recording dictation, as in business oflices. Once the dictation has been transcribed by the stenographer, there may be no further purpose in preserving the recording.

In order to accomplish 'this erasing 'the selector switch (not shown) on the controlrpanel ZOis thrown to the eraseizposition, thus so energizing the coils i8 and I32 that as the tape Ais rotated past them, the magnetic status-of .the tape Ais restored to its original condition ready for subsequent recordation.

There are many variations for circuit conhections for the steps of recording, reproducinga'nd erasing, all of which are well-known in the art. None of them areshown here since -my;present invention resides in the .mechanical apparatus for achieving these results.

' The rolling contact between the disc C andthe tape A is ofprime importance, sinceit materially lengthens the life of the tape and-of the contacting means C while at the same timeensu ring, by minimizing flux leakage losses through the air, a maximum magnetic intensity impressed upon the tape A, thus ensuring fidelity of recording. The peripheral width-of the disc C, inconjunction With the width of the ribs F, Where used, substantially define the width -of' the sound track impressed on the tape A, which in turn is fixed in axial position-on the drum D by means of the flanges 89 on the rollers M and IE, consequently permitting recording of a larger number of --'such sound tracks upon the tape, the tracks-being spaceable closely with respect to one another Without interferencewith one another so that a given tape may be most economically used. The fact'that a large number ofsound tracks may be recorded on a single tape by the use of i the apparatus ofmy invention-not -only enables economical use of the tape but also, in conjunction with the automatic reversing and track selection means, enables a single tape to recordor reproduce for a long period of time. This is of particular importance with respect to reproduction. An entire opera or symphony mightbe recorded on a single tape and, once thea'pparatus is set into motion, the entire musical offering can be reproduced without unduedelay in the shifting from one sound track to. another, and without the necessityof manual intervention in any .way ,by the auditor. The commercial advantages of such an apparatus are obvious.

It .will be apparent that many modifications may be made in the structure above disclosed Without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claims:

I claim:

1. In a magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus, a magnetizable medium on which at least one continuous sound track is to be recorded and reproduced, a magnetizing means cooperating with the magnetic status of said magnetizable medium so as to record and reproduce said sound track, means to move said magnetizable medium longitudinallypastsaid magnetizing means, and contacting means between said magnetizing means and said magnetizable medium comprising. a magnetizable body rotatably mounted in said magnetizing means so as to rotate freely about an aXis of rotationperpendicular to said continuous sound track and thus contact said magnetizable medium and freely roll thereover along a line defining said continuous sound track as said magnetizable medium moves longitudi nally past said magnetizing means.

2. In a magnetic sound recording andfreproducing apparatus, a magnetizable medium on which at least one continuous sound track is 'to be recorded and-reproduced, a magnetizing means cooperating with the magnetic status of said l6 magnetizable medium so as to record and reproduce saidsound track, means to movesaidmagnetizable medium longitudinally past said .magnetizing means, and contacting means between said .magnetizing'means andsaid magnetizable medium comprising a magnetizable disc rotatably mounted in said magnetizing means so as to rotate freely about an axis of rotation perpendicular to said-continuous sound trackand thuscontact said magnetizable medium and freely roll thereover'along alinedefining said continuous sound track as said magnetizable medium moves longitudinally past said magnetizing means. I

3. ha m-agn'eticsound recording and'reproducing apparatus, a tape on which at least one continuous sound track is to be recorded and reproduced, a magnetizing means cooperatingzwith'the magnetic statusof said tape so as to record and reproduce said sound track, means to move'said tape longitudinally past said magnetizing means, and contacting means between said magnetizing means and said tape comprising amagnetizable body of a width atits contact circumference closely-equal to the desired Width of the sound track freely rotatably mounted in said magnetizing means so as to roll over said tape as'itmoves longitudinally past said magnetizing means and thus contact said magnetizablemediuin and freely roll thereover alongaline defining said continuous sound track.

4. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 1, a -magnetizable medium in the form of a tape and means to cause said tape to move longitudinally past said magnetizing meanscomprising a drum the driving surface of which carries at leastone circumferential rib of a width closely the same 'asthe desired width of the sound track, and means to bring the magnetizing means into registration with said rib.

5. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 1, a magne'tizable medium in the form of a tape and means to move said tape longitudinally past said magnetizing means comprising a drum the driving surfaceof which carries a plurality of spaced circumferential ribs each of a width closely the same as the desired width of the sound track, said rotatable magnetizable body being of a width at its contact circumference closely equal to the desired width of the sound track-and means to bring the magnetizing means into selective registration with said ribs.

6. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 1, a magnetizable medium in the form of a tape and means to move said tape longitudinally past said magnetizing means comprising a drum the driving surface of which carries a plurality of spaced circumferential ribs each of a widthclosely the same as, the desired width of the sound track, the rotatable magnetizable body being of a width at its contact circumference less than the sum of the widths of one of said ribs plus the width of the valleys on either side thereof.

7. In a magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus, a support, a tapeon which a plurality of magnetic sound tracks are longitudinally disposed and transversely spaced one from the other, a drum of magnetizable material rotatably mounted on said support around. a portion of which drum said tape is Wound, a disc of magnetizable. material in contact with said tape on ing means of magnetizable material for said disc inwhich said disc is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to that of said drum, means to move said tape past said disc, means to magnetize said mounting means and said disc and thereby to cooperate with the magnetic status of said tape so as to record and reproduce sound, and track-selection means to move said disc and its mounting means in a direction parallel to the axis of said drum.

8. In a magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus, a support, a tape on which a plurality of sound tracks are longitudinally disposed and transversely spaced one'irom the other, a drum of magnetizable material rotatably mounted on said support around, a portion of which drum said tape is wound, said drum carrying on the surface thereof which contacts said tape a plurality of circumferential ribs each of a width closely the same as each sound track and each spaced from one another closely as the sound tracks are spaced, a disc of magnetizable material in contact'with said tape on the other side thereof from said drum, a mounting means of magnetizable material for said disc in which said disc is'mounted so asto be rotatable about an axis parallel to that of said drum, driving means to move said tape past saidldisc, means for magnetizing said mounting means and said disc and thereby to cooperate With' the magnetic status of said tape to record and reproduce sound, and track-selection means to move said disc and its mounting means transversely 'of said tape into selective registration with said ribs.

9. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim '7, retracting means to move the disc from its contact-making position with respect to the'tape while saiddisc isflbeing moved in a direction parallel'to the axis of said drum.

10. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 8, retracting means to move the disc from its contact-making position with respect to the tape when said disc is not in registration with one'of said ribs and to restore said disc toits contact-making position when it isin registration with one of said ribs.

11. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 7, spools onwhich the tape is carried and means controlled by the amount of tape on said spools to actuate said track-selection means, whereby said disc is automatically moved from onesound track position to another at a predetermined time.

12. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 8, spools on which the tape is carried, retracting means to move the disc from its contact-making position with respect to the tape when said disc is not in registration with one of said ribs and to restore said disc to its contact-making position when it is in registration with one of said ribs, and means controlled by the amount of tape on said spools to actuate said track selection and said retracting means, whereby 'said disc is automatically moved from one sound track position to another at a predetermined time.

13. In the magnetic sound recording and repro ducing apparatus of claim 7, spools on which the tape is carried and means controlled by the un- Winding of the tape-from said spools to actuate said track selection means,'whereby said disc is automatically moved from one sound track position. to another at a predetermined time.

l l. Inthe magnetic sound recording and reproducing. apparatus of claim 8, spools on which the tape is carried, retracting means to move the disc from its contact-making position with respect to the tape when said disc is not in registration with one of said ribs and to restore said disc to its contact-making position when it is in registration with one of said ribs, and means controlled by the unwinding of the tape from said spools to actuate said track selection and said retracting means, whereby said disc is automatically moved from one sound trackposition to another at a predetermined time.

15. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 7, spools on which the tape is carried, reversing means to reverse the direction of rotation of said driving means, and means controlled bythe amount of tape on said spools to actuate said track selection means and said reversing means, whereby said disc is automatically moved from one sound track; position to another and thewdirection of rotation of the driving means is automatically reversed at a predetermined time.

16. In th magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 8, spools on which the tape is carried, reversing means to reverse the direction of rotation of said driving means, retracting means to move the disc from its contact-making position with respect to the tape when said disc is not in registration with one of said ribs and to restore said disc to its contactmaking position when it is in registration with one of said ribs, and means controlled by the amount of tape on said spools to actuate said track selection, said retracting, and said reversing means, whereby said disc is automatically moved fromone sound track position to another and the direction of rotation of the driving means is automatically reversed at a predetermined time.

17. In the magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus of claim 7, spools on which the tape is carried, reversing means to reverse the direction of rotation of said driving means, and means controlled by the unwinding of the tape from said spools to actuate said track selection means and said reversing means, whereby said disc is automatically moved from one sound track position to another and the direction of rotation of the driving'means is automatically reversed at a predetermined time.

18. In the magnetic sound recording andreproducing apparatus of claim 8, spools on which the tape is carried, reversing means to reverse the direction of rotation of said driving means, retracting means to move the disc from its contactmaking position with respect to the tape when said disc is not in registration with one of said ribs and to restore saiddisc to its contact-making position when it is in registration with oneof said ribs, and means controlled by the unwinding of the tape from said spools to actuate said track selection, said retracting, and said reversing means, whereby said disc is automatically moved from one sound track position to another and the directionof rotation of the driving means is automatically reversed at a predetermined time.

19. In a magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus comprising a tape of magnetizable material carrying a plurality of magnetic sound tracks longitudinally disposed thereon and spaced one from the other transversely with respect to said tape, a magnetizing means transversely movable with respect to said tape, and means to move said magnetizing meansftransversely with respect to said tape, the improvement l9v in said last-named means which comprises an internally threaded support for said magnetizing means a screw shaft rotatable in said threaded portion, spring means urging rotation of said screw shaft in one direction, ratchet means the rotation of which determines the rotation of said screw shaft, a pawl cooperating. therewith to limit and control the rotation of said screw shaft, means controlled by the amount of tape on said spool to actuate said pawl, whereby a predetermined amount of rotation of said spring-urged screw shaft is permitted to move said magnetizing means in one directionfrom one sound track to another, and manual means for rotating said screw shaft in the other direction so that said magnetizing means will move in the other direction.

20. In the combination .of claim 19, retracting means for moving said magnetizing means out of contact with said tape while said magnetizing means is moving from one sound track to another, and means actuating said retractingmeans comprising a cam rotation of which is determined by said ratchet, a cam follower, and linkage means connecting said cam follower to said retracting means.

.21. .In a magnetic sound recording and reproducing apparatus, a rotatable drum comprising afirst coil and .a cap ofmagnetizable material thereover, a tape on which atleast onesound f trackisto be recorded and reproduced threadable thereover, a ltape on which .at least one sound track is-to be recorded andv reproduced threada-ble around said cap in driven relation therewith, means .for maintaining electrical contact with said first coil,.asecond coil, a core ofmagnetiz able material in said secondcoil, means. for maintaining said core .in contact with .said tape and means for'electrically connecting said twocoils so that they assist one another in cooperating with themagnetic status of said tape so asto record andreproduce said soundtrack.

23. Ina magneticsound recording and repro ducing. apparatus, a rotatable drum comprising a first -coil and a cap of magnetizable material thereover, a tape on whichatleast' one sound track is tobe recordedand reproduced threadable around said cap in driven relation therewith, means for maintaining electrical contact with said first coil, a second coil, a core of magnetizable material axially slidable in said second coil and supporting in its extremity nearest said tape a rotatable-contacting means, means for maintaining said contacting means in contact with said tape, and means for electrically connecting said two coils so that .they assist one another in cooperating withthe magnetic status of said tape 50 asto record and reproduce said sound track.

24.. In a magnetic'sound recording and'reproducing apparatus, .a rotatable drum comprising a first coil and a ,cap of magnetizable material thereover, va tape on which at least one, sound track is to be recorded and reproduced threadable 52,5 ra es 2'0 around said, capTin" driven relation herewith, means for .maintaining'electrical contactfwith said first co'il,ia second coil i-acore of magnetiz able mater'ial'in sa'id' second coil and supporting in its extremity nearest said "tape a rotatable contacting means,imeans for maintaining said contacting means in contact withfsaior tape, and means for electrically'conneoting 'sai'dS'two coils so 'that' they assist one another 'in "c'QOperating with the magnetic status of said tape '50 as "to record and reproduce sa'id soundtrack.

l25."The magnetic sound recording an'd repro ducing apparatus of claim "21', "in whichthetwo coilsniaybe connected to efiect recording, reproducing and erasing.

26. Ina magnetic. sound recording :and' reproducing apparatudatape on which a't'leastone sound track is. toberecorde'd and reproduced, a magnetizing means cooperating with the magnetic status ,of said tape so as to record, reproduce and erase .saidflsoun'dtrack, means "for moving saidjtape past said magnetizing means comprisinga rotatable'drum, said 'drumco'm'prisinga cap of magnetizable material around which" the tape maybe threaded and carrying on itQtape-contacting surface a pluralityof circumferential ribs each or a width closely equal 'to"the"desired width of a sound track; said magnetizing means being movable transversely with respect to saidtape into selective registration with sai'd circumferential ribs so as to record, reproduce 'and'erase a recorded and reproduced a spool on which said medium is wound andfrom which 'it'is adapted to ,be unwound, andla rotatable drum comprising acap .ofmagnetizalole material around "the exterior of which said magnetiza'ble medium is threaded as 'it'is unwound from'said spool, and an electric .coiliwithin said cap defining a magnetizing means. I

28. The apparatusl'o'f' clai '27, in'which said magnetizable mefdium isjfiictionally engaged by the exterior of saididrum an'dsaid' dr'umis rotated by a motor, thereby unwinding said medium fromsaidspool I 29.'In the apparatus ,orc1aim'27, asecond'magnetizin glmeans active uponlsaid magnetizalb'l'e mediumas said mediumiisjthreaded around said drum. I

' 1 FREEMANH. OWENS.

1 .nnrzannlvons ions!) The ..following; references .arelof record; in the file :of :this patent: i l

UNITED STATES re -raters Number Naine .Date

882,329 Liele. Q Mar.1,7, 1908 1,090,128 Avers Mar. 17., .1914 1,542,808 .Adams ..1une. 123,;1925 1,642,681 Kaplan Sept. 2(l,..'1'927 1,942,504 'Wood. iJan..-9,.1934 2,138,650 CIar-k e .Jan..30,.194O 2213;631 Heller :Sept. .3, 1940 2,352,023 I .sehelll June.20,19.44 2,364,556 Somers .is .Dec,-5, 1944 I FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 4,933 Australia Nov. 26,1926 

